Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Big plans for the end of Summer!

Hello friends of Newport News! We have really had a very unique couple of weeks in Virginia haven’t we?  We’ve had history making events that shook us up and strong weather systems “blow” through town.  A lot of our friends out there are still waiting on their electricity to be turned back on.  If you are reading this, you must be one of the lucky ones whose power has been restored or maybe you’re reading this on your mobile phone.  Last week you were probably locked down inside your homes riding out the storm.  You probably played every board and card game to keep everyone entertained and now you are looking for a release for all that pinned up energy before the summer is over.  In either case, it just might be time for a weekend of fun or you might prefer a little relaxation! 

Whether a weekend getaway or a staycation, there is still time to plan!  With so many things to choose from in Newport News there is something for everyone.  Perhaps you are looking for a fun weekend with the kids at the wonderful attractions around Newport News such as the Virginia Living Museum or The Mariners’ Museum/USS Monitor Center.  Maybe you want to sneak away for a couple more rounds of golf while the weather is still pleasant or take a walk in one of our parks.   

Of course, you might be looking for a quiet retreat away from everything for just the two of you. Why not take a romantic stroll around the fountain at City Center, topped off with a little shopping, a massage and a romantic dinner for two. You might want to book a room too, especially if you don’t have power. Wouldn’t it be nice to have air conditioning and TV, not to mention a nice hot shower? No matter what you might be interested in, all of this and more is available right here in Newport News and there is still time for a great weekend full of fun and adventure or relaxation. 

Call the Newport News Visitor Center at (888) 493-7386 and speak to one of our friendly travel counselors who will help you plan your getaway and provide a wealth of ideas. Also check out our website at www.newport-news,org where you will find all the information you will need to plan an end of summer mini-vacation.  We can’t wait for you to spend the end of summer with us in Newport News, Virginia!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Planning your next special event in Newport News

Newport News Tourism recently sponsored a Reunion Planning seminar and it went really well.  The topics ranged from places to stay in Newport News, things to see and do, and unique places to host your reunion and how to plan a successful event so we thought we'd share just a few ideas and offer help should you ever be tasked with planning an event.

We're sure many of you have had the task of planning something whether it was a family or class reunion, wedding, meeting, birthday party, outing, wedding or baby shower, birthday event or something, haven't you?  Or maybe you wanted to plan an event but just the thought of all of the things involved was a bit overwhelming. Overall, planning events of any kind can be a daunting task and that is why there are professional event planners. In fact, some people we have assisted have confessed their fear of planning prevented them from organizing an event but that's where we can HELP!

Our dedicated staff with the Newport News Tourism Development Office is here to assist you. We're very knowledgeable when it comes to planning events of all sizes and types and we're here to help you with ideas and provide the tools that can assist you with planning. Remember, we are in the hospitality industry and we know of a lot of what there is to see and do since it's our job to promote and market our great City and all that we have to offer.  Newport News' central location is the perfect destination for family & friends of all ages to gather. You just can't beat our location next to Williamsburg and our short drive to Virginia Beach. We have so much to offer in our City and we are surrounded by a lot of fantastic things to do and unique places to visit. For those who live here, have you ever wondered why your relatives always want to visit you? Well it's because you're in the PERFECT location!

Our Web site at www.newport-news.org offers a wealth of information of where to host your event. From the First Lady's Tea Parlor in Port Warwick to one of more than 200 restaurants in our City, to the grand ballrooms at the Marriott, Omni, or Point Plaza to our 30+ outdoor parks, the options are plentiful. Think about how beautiful a wedding would be around the Fountain at City Center.  Or perhaps you'd like to get married with some "wild new friends" at the Virginia Living Museum. Did you know they bring in animals for your guests to get up close and personal with while others are dancing the night away? Or, what about an event at The Mariners' Museum where your guests can stand on the deck of the USS Monitor? The options to host events are endless and the choices are unique and we're here to give you lots of ideas!

So let us help you plan your next event in Newport News. We'll always offer ideas and suggestions to help you with your plan and we won't let you forget what you need to do to plan a successful, unique event.

To get started, check out our website at http://www.newport-news.org/ or call 757-926-1400 or toll free at: (888) 493-7386 to speak with one of our group marketing representatives who can provide you with a wealth of information, ideas and help in planning your next special event. 

If you have any suggestions for our readers on unique places in Newport News, please share. We'd love to hear your ideas for showers, wedding venues, reunion banquets, etc. in Newport News!